"愛とは愛情のある感情ではなく愛する人の究極の幸福をできる限り望む揺るぎない願いです"

Love, in its truest form, isn't just about warm fuzzies or butterflies. It's about genuinely wanting the best for someone, consistently, no matter what. This idea challenges the often romanticized notion that love is purely about passion and emotion. Instead, it grounds love in the commitment to another’s well-being.

This perspective on love can be traced back to C.S. Lewis, who was known for his thoughtful reflections on human nature and relationships. He believed that love should be less about fleeting emotions and more about enduring actions. It’s a shift from the dopamine rush of new romance to the steadfast dedication of true partnership.

Think about a parent caring for their child. A mother wakes up in the middle of the night to comfort her crying baby. She's exhausted, longing for sleep, but she rocks her baby back and forth, singing softly. It's not affection she's feeling right now—it’s pure love. She wants her baby to feel safe, happy, and healthy. That's the kind of love Lewis is talking about. It’s steady and unwavering, focused on the ultimate good of the loved one.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? Start by asking yourself what’s truly best for the people you care about. It might mean tough conversations or letting them make mistakes. Maybe your best friend wants to drop out of college to pursue a risky career path. You wish them the best, support their dreams, but also ensure they’ve thought it through. It’s not just about making them feel good in the moment—it’s about their long-term happiness and success.

Imagine this: You’ve been dating someone for a few years. Things are good, but you notice they’ve been unhappy with their job. They’re stressed and it’s affecting their health. You love them, not just with heart-fluttering affection, but with that deep, steady love. So, you encourage them to consider new opportunities, even if it means they might move to a different city. It’s hard, and it hurts. But you want what’s best for them, even if it’s tough for you. That’s love—solid and selfless.

Love isn’t always easy. It’s not always fun. But it’s real and it’s deep, so much more than a feeling. It’s about showing up, again and again, with a sincere desire for the other person's ultimate good. When you think about the people you love, consider how you can support their growth, their dreams, and their well-being. It might mean stepping back, giving space, or offering a shoulder to lean on. It’s about putting their needs at the forefront, even when it’s hard.

In the end, love is about the journey and the destination. It’s about the steady wish for the best for those you care about. So next time you find yourself caught up in the emotions of love, take a step back. Ask yourself what’s truly best for them. That’s where real love lives—in the actions we take and the steady wish for the ultimate good of those we cherish.